Stress not only impact couples planning to conceive, but women carrying a foetus may also be impacted in case they are regularly exposed to stress. Stress creates an internal environment which is hostile to conception and normal growth of a foetus. The following 9 practical steps helps reduce stress and thereby improves fertility and chance of pregnancy.
1: Yoga fertility
Ever heard of Yoga fertility? There are many Yoga postures that not only help reduce stress by improving blood flow and hormonal balance but also help improve fertility. Yoga asanas such as Hastapadasana, Kapalbhati Pranayama, Viparita Karani and Paschimottanasana are long known to improve fertility by strengthening the pelvic floor and improving blood flow to reproductive organs.
2: Self Acupressure
This ancient Chinese alternative medicine form can be easily practiced at home by applying pressure at specific acupressure points(link) that help improve fertility, especially Epang II, Yintang, Ren 4, Ren 6, Ren 14 and UB 23. It reduces stress, regularizes menstrual cycle, increases libido and improves hormonal balance.
3: 5+5 Minute Meditation
Meditating for as little as 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening helps rejuvenate the body by improving blood flow to different cells, eliminating the toxins from the body and reducing stress and tension. in its simplest form – just sit in a comfortable posture and breathe from the nose and focus on the breathing.
4: Conversing with a friend, family or professional counsellor
In case you feel extremely stressed or are not able to take control of your life a simple regular conversation with a confidant reduces the cortisol level in our body.
5: Have a positive self talk and self image
We always have a constant dialogue with ourselves whether consciously or unknowingly. This conversation should always in positive tone and affirmation and never in a negative shade. This small step ensures we live peacefully with ourselves.
6: Pursue one hobby
Join a singing or a dance class, play a musical instrument, write a journal or start exercising. These techniques not only help you relax but also strengthens you physically and emotionally. Spend 15 minutes doing at least one activity that makes you forget your surroundings.
7: The three magical herbs They strengthen the endocrine system and keep fertility issues at bay by producing a healthy stress response.
Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, helps strengthen the immune system, thereby maintaining a hormonal balance.
Shatavari helps improve overall fertility and boosts the immune system.
Chamomile relieves anxiety and stress. These herbs can be consumed in powder form or as a tea to help with fertility.
8: Three books to reduce stress
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, “Loving What Is” by Byron Katie and “The Power of Less” by Leo Babauta.
9) Listen to favourite singer in instrumental
Listening to music in instrumental has an instant soothing effect on the nerves. Do this for at least 15 minutes.
